Crossbeam Bearing Assembly With Tool-Free Bridging Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural working machines face complex assembly and conversion processes for crossbeams, requiring manual handling and use of tools for connecting and guiding auxiliary tools.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of connecting means on the receptacle and bridging element that allow for tool-free, form-fitting connection of the bridging element to the receptacle, simplifying assembly and disassembly of the crossbeam and associated bearing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connecting means are used for assembling the crossbeam, then the connection is operationally reliable, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means is divided into two complementary parts: a first connecting part integrated into the receptacle and a second connecting part integrated into the bridging element. This segmentation allows each part to be simple in design while their combination provides secure, tool-free connection, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting means is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through form-fitting engagement. The complementary shapes of the connecting parts automatically guide each other into the correct position during assembly, eliminating the need for tools or complex alignment procedures while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional fastening methods are used for the crossbeam, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly process requires tools and manual handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The form-fitting connecting parts are designed to engage automatically without tools. The geometric complementarity of the connecting features provides self-guidance and self-locking, allowing operators to assemble and disassemble the crossbeam quickly by simple insertion and removal motions, eliminating the need for screwdrivers, wrenches, or other manual fastening tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, clips requiring tools) with a direct form-fitting engagement system. The connecting parts rely on geometric interlocking and elastic deformation of the bridging element rather than threaded engagement or clamping mechanisms, dramatically simplifying the operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the bridging element is designed as a single piece, then the assembly process is simplified, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional multi-part mechanical assemblies (multiple bolts, clips, or separate components) with a single integrated bridging element. This monolithic design simplifies assembly to a single insertion motion while the connecting features are formed directly into the piece through manufacturing processes, trading some manufacturing complexity for significant operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4101274B1Agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4101274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4101274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4101274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Agricultural working machine (10), in particular a seeding and/or soil cultivation machine, comprising at least one support frame (11) associated with the working machine (10) with at least one receptacle (20) for at least one crossbeam (13) oriented substantially transversely to a direction of travel (F) of the working machine (10), and at least one, in particular multi-part, bearing device (21) via which the crossbeam (13) is arranged at least partially rotatable about its longitudinal axis (L) on the receptacle (20), wherein the bearing device (21) and/or the crossbeam (13) are enclosed circumferentially at least partially on one side by the receptacle (20) and on the other side by at least one bridging element (30) connectable to the receptacle (20) in an installed state.In order to connect the crossbeam (13) to the working machine (10) in a particularly simple and/or operationally reliable manner, it is provided that connecting means (40A-41B) corresponding to each other are provided on the receptacle (20) and on the bridging element (30), via which the at least one bridging element (30) can be connected to the receptacle (20) without tools, in particular in a form-fitting manner, in particular for bridging and/or closing at least one assembly opening (22) formed and/or closable on the receptacle (20).